Holcom
HQ derives from the idea of bringing together over 20 companies belonging to
the holding in one single building making a striking impact on the Beirut
cityscape.

The project draws on a dense and, at the same
time, diversified concept for interpreting Holcom’s identity based on a
sequence of layers accommodating various different functions on its different
levels, ranging from warehouses to cutting-edge office spaces, all enveloped in
a double skin, which, together with the interiors, forms one single coherent
and coordinated system. Built over seven levels above ground covering 35,000 m²
of space, Holcom H.Q. can accommodate up to 1000 people and numerous different
organisations at the same time, thanks to a project focusing on a successful
combination of factors:

. A balance between enhancing its surfaces and
making its spaces as people-friendly as possible (green areas, terraces,
communal places, offices, car parks, conference facilities)

. Rational management of both internal and
external flows

. Optimisation of all energy/environmental
aspects

. Flexibility of its interiors (space planning
and architectural features)

. An architectural design capable of creating
open interaction between modernity and tradition.

Office
areas

The offices conform to the very latest
guidelines for a modern-day workplace in terms of organisational flexibility
and comfort (acoustics, technical lighting, technology) with dedicated areas
for workstations, formal/informal support and relaxing. Everything culminates
in two executive management areas connected together by a panoramic terrace and
crowned by a steel roof structure holding up the photovoltaic system. DEGW took
charge of the space planning and interior design.

Interior
design

All the office spaces are constructed around an
integrated system of raised floors-double ceilings that allows the utmost flexibility
of spaces, access to the plants/systems in the double ceilings and floors for
inspection purposes, and the incorporating of lights.

The dividing up into different structures
allows public and private pathways to be created, making the interior space
more brightly lit and pleasant to inhabit. That is why the project has located
the client areas in the structures connecting the separate levels, linking them
to the office spaces by means of support hubs. The interior design project has
created a layout of efficient, linear floor plans based around a 1.5-metre
functional modulus.